Gold extends gains on easing rate-hike fears, markets await Fed minutes

Gold experienced its third consecutive day of gains on Tuesday as doubts about a US interest rate increase next month subsided. Traders were eagerly anticipating minutes from the Federal Reserve's latest gathering for insights into the central bank's future monetary policy decisions. Spot gold climbed 0.2% to $4,424.28 per ounce by 0130 GMT, while US gold futures for December delivery increased 0.2% to $4,480.90.

The US dollar remained near multi-month lows against other major currencies, making dollar-denominated metals more affordable for investors holding different currencies. Analyst Tony Sycamore noted that gold's gains were propelled by last week's disappointing US economic data, which sparked optimism that the Fed would maintain current interest rates throughout 2023.

In a Reuters survey, the majority of economists anticipated the central bank would keep its key rate unchanged through the next few months. Most economists now estimate a 65% probability of no rate hike in September following unexpectedly high job losses in July, a lower-than-expected consumer price inflation figure, and weak retail sales.

Market attention will be centered on the Fed's most recent policy meeting minutes, set to be released on Wednesday. Sycamore observed that gold is regaining its reputation as a safe-haven asset as hawkish comments from Iran contributed to the metal's resilience despite rising yields. Meanwhile, oil prices surged due to dwindling hopes for a US-Iran peace deal, raising concerns about potential supply disruptions.

Iran has signaled it will adopt a "fully offensive" military stance as negotiations to permanently end the conflict with the US have hit a stalemate.